Our correspondent feels that a “new chapter is unfolding at Vale Park” as a summer rebuild looms.

James Russell writes…

Nothing in football is a given, it has to be earned in the right way. The fact that Port Vale’s fairly forgettable season could be lifted with the new takeover of the club and, potentially, an exciting future, is something that certainly provides hope that the club can be given a more realistic chance to earn their way back into League One, at least. It’s not a given, but chances of success should certainly increase, you’d think.

Port Vale have simply lost their way in recent times and the club is in desperate need of some fresh impetus and an injection of life…

Vale’s showing in League Two this season has been far too inconsistent from a team of players that has a distinct lack of quality. Budgetary constraints can always be blamed but the fact of the matter is, a club of Vale’s size should be finishing in or around the play-offs and not languishing in 20th place, just avoiding relegation out of the Football League and into Non-League football – something that would be simply devastating for the club.

John Askey has done his best with fairly limited resources and a squad that is simply not up to it, although Askey’s future could certainly be up for debate in the future, perhaps in the coming weeks as big changes appear to be on the horizon at the club.

One of the major changes will of course involve a squad overhaul which, judging by the team’s showing this season, will need to be fairly major. Perhaps Vale can draw inspiration from England boss Gareth Southgate, whose Three Lions rebuild heading into the World Cup in Russia was nothing short of sensational considering the amount of new players he bedded in – a Three Lions team that are heading into their Nations League semi-final full of confidence, with odds on them beating Holland currently priced at 27/20 (888sport), although the Dutch are no pushovers after showing signs of progress in recent times, with a victory for them currently on offer at 21/10 if you fancy an online betting flutter. Portugal are outright favourites for the competition at 7/4, with England just behind at 2/1.

The summer should provide England and Southgate the chance to grow further and build on their new-found identity. That is exactly what Port Vale need to use it for too, as we all take a break from the domestic football schedule and focus on England’s matches, whilst also hoping Vale can bring in the required quality to really push the team on next season.

The new owners, Carol and Kevin Shanahan, will certainly want to make their mark and demonstrate their ambition moving forward, with a marquee signing or two desperately needed to lift Vale’s glum fanbase.

Port Vale have simply lost their way in recent times and the club is in desperate need of some fresh impetus and an injection of life. Loyal Valiants will continue to support the club whatever division they’re in, but patience is wearing thin following a dull and depressing campaign with little to build on. It’s typical of season’s gone by where the club have simply stagnated under Norman Smurthwaite – an owner of the club since 2012, where he and his then business partner Paul Wildes bought the club and the ground from the administrators in a £1.25million deal.

A new chapter is unfolding at Vale Park as the Valiants look to re-establish themselves as promotion contenders in League Two and get back to League One – a division where they truly belong. First of all, though, a vital summer rebuild needs to be well planned and executed if the club are to stand any chance of promotion next campaign. In the meantime, while we take a break from domestic football and recharge our football supporting batteries, let’s enjoy Southgate’s England again, shall we?

Recent comments

David Wright on Port Vale transfer target is given free transfer by current club: “I agree on the playing side decisions made by John Askey, but his pursuit of Adam Crookes baffles me. I have seen most Vale last year and seemed to start OK but latterly to me he was not at then races. I may be wrong and he obviously can see something I can’t but good luck to the team for next season nonetheless” May 23, 19:34

Phil Yeomans on Roll Back the Years: Unsung Port Vale Players – Then and Now!: “Interesting to read again of the past players in particular Billy Paynter who was in the youth side during my time as part of the under16 coaching team. Anthony Gardner, Chris Birchall were also players who went on to make the professional game.” May 23, 09:33

David Wright on Port Vale transfer target is given free transfer by current club: “I was never Ryan Lloyd’s greatest fan, but he seems to have done well at Mac under John Askey, so let’s hope he could resurrect Lloyd's career at the Vale. He is free transfer so not a lot to lose. Also I agree with his decisions to put Rawlinson on the transfer list... Whitfield I'm not sure.” May 22, 19:32

Rob Fielding on Five bizarre Port Vale transfer rumours: “In answer to the market question, this was raised at the fans forum and the new owners confirmed they were looking into it. It wouldn't be the old format (as those sort of markets are passe) but it was mentioned that it could be a car boot (or similar) in front of the away stand utilising the concourse refreshment outlets and toilets. It sounded like a cracking idea to me and could bring in extra revenue. Other non-match day events were also being considered.” May 21, 15:25

Finding the best casino sites to play and win cash isn't always easy. Hex Casino is a detailed guide about real money casino with a list of best UK online casinos that pay money, their features, and games. Check it out and prepare for winnings

It’s not always easy to find the best free spins across the internet. With an influx of new casinos launching almost every single month, there’s more free spins on offer than ever! We’ve identified the best free spins on https://mycasinobonuses.co.uk/free-spins-no-deposit-bonuses/ showing all the latest offers online from the very best UK casinos

If you are looking for new slots sites in UK and best free spins bonuses, look no further and pay a visit to Readyslotsgo.co.uk

If you are not familiar yet with advantages of live dealer casinos, you are missing out great fun! Check out https://livecasinosonline.org.uk and learn all about internet casino games and best casino bonuses. too.

Are you looking for a trusted casino online with free spins no wager requirement? Simply visit freespinsnodeposit.eu and collect your no deposit bonus.

Click here if you want to play for real money in the UK casino online.

Mobileslotsites.co.uk is the number one resource to help players find the best sites to play. All the mobile slot sites and games that we recommend have been tried and tested by ourselves and are trusted, regulated and fair.We update our pages regularly with the latest and best mobile slots sites.

Finding the best casino sites to play and win cash isn’t always easy. Hex Casino is a detailed guide about real money casino with a list of best UK online casinos that pay money, their features, and games. Check it out and prepare for winnings

It’s not always easy to find the best free spins across the internet. With an influx of new casinos launching almost every single month, there’s more free spins on offer than ever! We’ve identified the best free spins on https://mycasinobonuses.co.uk/free-spins-no-deposit-bonuses/ showing all the latest offers online from the very best UK casinos

If you are looking for new slots sites in UK and best free spins bonuses, look no further and pay a visit to Readyslotsgo.co.uk

If you are not familiar yet with advantages of live dealer casinos, you are missing out great fun! Check out https://livecasinosonline.org.uk and learn all about internet casino games and best casino bonuses. too.

Are you looking for a trusted casino online with free spins no wager requirement? Simply visit freespinsnodeposit.eu and collect your no deposit bonus.

Click here if you want to play for real money in the UK casino online.

Mobileslotsites.co.uk is the number one resource to help players find the best sites to play. All the mobile slot sites and games that we recommend have been tried and tested by ourselves and are trusted, regulated and fair.We update our pages regularly with the latest and best mobile slots sites.

OVF backs the official Port Vale Supporters Club and Valiants for Diversity. We support the Football Supporters Federation, Show Racism the Red Card and Football vs Homophobia organisations. We donate to the Donna Louise Trust and the Douglas MacMillan Hospice. OVF deplores discrimination and violence.

Views expressed in the forum are NOT necessarily those of the site owners. We do not read posts in advance but will take swift action to delete offensive posts. To report a post please click here and follow the instructions

This website is operated by OVF Ltd – all content and images (c) unless specified

OVF backs the official Port Vale Supporters Club and Valiants for Diversity. We support the Football Supporters Federation, Show Racism the Red Card and Football vs Homophobia organisations. We donate to the Donna Louise Trust and the Douglas MacMillan Hospice. OVF deplores discrimination and violence.

Views expressed in the forum are NOT necessarily those of the site owners. We do not read posts in advance but will take swift action to delete offensive posts. To report a post please click here and follow the instructions